New Media Conference in Orange County to Focus on Marketing and Training Technologies.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2003

An innovative media technology conference will be held on Friday, Oct. 24, 2003, at Irvine's Crowne Plaza Hotel. LookNext -- New Media: Marketing & Training Technologies Conference is co-sponsored by the Orange County Chapters of Media Communications Association International (MCAI) and the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). The one-day conference is geared toward marketing, sales, training, human resource and other non-technology professionals who want to explore how new media can be used effectively in their business operations.

LookNext Conference participants will learn how they can use cutting-edge media technology to maximize performance, enhance employee programs and increase business. They will also hear about mainstream business applications for media communications from companies that are presently using technology to become more efficient and profitable. There will be ample time for networking, and media technology vendors will host informative exhibits.

"We have worked hard to bring together a high caliber of preeminent media technology experts for this conference," said Dennis Backer, president-elect of MCAI and LookNext chairperson. "Our objective is to give participants innovative strategies for using technology that will bring their business into the 21st century and achieve immediate results."

The featured keynote speaker will be Ashwin Rangan, Senior Vice President and CIO of Conexant Systems Inc., in Newport Beach, Calif. A regular participant in Alvin Toffler's annual Future Shock Forum, Mr. Rangan will share his perspective on the current and future impacts of technology on business, regulations, employees and the community.

Planned breakout session topics include video conferencing, virtual classrooms, e-marketing strategies, digital video streaming, customized information technology solutions, rich Internet applications and e-learning to augment organizational needs such as leadership development, performance management and employee training. An afternoon panel discussion will present knowledge management and e-learning case studies from representatives of Unisys, Vihlene & Associates, Toyota's School of Retail Professional Development and Nissan Motors of America, moderated by Paula Powers, co-chair of LookNext and ASTD's Training & Technology Special Interest Group (SIG).

"If you are interested in how technology will affect the way your business operates in the next several years, this is the conference for you!" said Ms. Powers.

Attendees of the LookNext New Media Conference can save $100 by registering early -- through Oct. 14, the special rate is only $99 per person, rising to $199 after that date. This includes breakfast, lunch, evening reception, discussion panel and two breakout sessions. To register, or for more information, visit www.looknext.com or call 866-462-2838, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (PST).

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 17941 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine. For accommodations, call 949-863-1999 and ask for the LookNext Conference discount. For sponsorship and vendor information, contact Dennis Backer at [e-mail] or 949-733-3783.